Law You Can Use: Firearm Law

Q:Must I register my firearms in Ohio?

A:Generally, no. TheOhio Revised Codedoes not require firearm registration, and prohibits municipalities from creating compulsory local firearm registries. Federal law does require that a person register a “dangerous ordinance,” which is defined by law, and includes machine guns, short-barreled shotguns, and suppressors.

Q:Is “open carry” legal in Ohio?

A:Yes. However, a person may not openly carry a loaded firearm in a motor vehicle without a concealed handgun license (“CHL”). “Open carry” is also prohibited a number of places, including government buildings, schools, and churches.

Q:How can I legally carry a handgun in a motor vehicle?

A:As long as you have a CHL, there are no restrictions on how you choose to carry a loaded handgun in a motor vehicle, except that you may not have a loaded handgun in the vehicle if you are under the influence of any drugs or alcohol. If you do not have a CHL, youmay transport a firearm in a motor vehicle if it is unloadedand located in a compartment that can be reached only by leaving the vehicle. Alternatively, you can transport an unloaded firearm in plain sight and secured in a rack or holder made for that purpose.

Q:I have a license to carry a concealed handgun. If I am pulled over while driving, must I tell the law enforcement officer that I am carrying a concealed handgun?

A:Yes. If you are stopped by a law enforcement officer, you mustpromptly notifythe officer that you have a CHL, and that you are currently armed, and you must keep your hands in plain sight and remain in the vehicle during the traffic stop. You do not have to notify the officer, however, if you are not in possession of a handgun at the time the officer stops you. If you are in possession of a hand gun, you should not try to reach the handgun at any time.